SCOTT'S EMPIRE HOMECOMING
Liverpool-born actor Scott Sutcliffe has described performing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre as a “full-circle moment” as the award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical arrives in the city for an extended six-week run.
Liverpool actor Scott Sutcliffe celebrates.
Liverpool actor Scott Sutcliffe celebrates homecoming as Moulin Rouge! The Musical arrives at the Empire
For Liverpool-born actor Scott Sutcliffe, bringing Moulin Rouge! The Musical to his hometown is more than just another stop on a major tour – it marks a significant milestone in his career.
The award-winning production has opened at the Liverpool Empire Theatre for an extended six-week run until Saturday, 8 August, with around 70,000 tickets already sold. Producers expect that figure to rise to almost 100,000 by the end of the engagement, making it one of the theatre’s longest runs since Hamilton.
While the spectacular production has captivated audiences across the country, for Scott, who plays Baby Doll, performing on the Empire stage is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
A former pupil of Rainhill High School, Scott credits his teachers with encouraging him to pursue a career in the performing arts. After working professionally for the past decade, this is the first time he has been able to return home with a major touring production.
Scott said: “I’ve been working professionally as an actor for about 10 years now and it’s the first time I’ve been able to bring a show to Liverpool.
“I got off the train on the first day and walked to work. I just couldn’t stop smiling because I couldn’t believe I was in Liverpool for the first time performing at the Liverpool Empire.”
The experience has been particularly meaningful for the local performer, who described appearing at one of the city’s most iconic theatres as a full-circle moment.
He said: “There’s something really special about this theatre. It has such an incredible energy and I feel so proud to be here.
“I’ve been telling all my castmates, ‘I can’t wait until we get to Liverpool because you’re going to love the audiences.’ People here genuinely love theatre and they’re so supportive. It really feels like a full-circle moment for me, and I’m so happy to be sharing it with my family and friends.”
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical transports audiences to Paris in 1899, telling the story of American writer Christian and cabaret star Satine. Featuring more than 70 songs spanning artists from Offenbach to Lady Gaga, the production has won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as an Olivier Award and numerous other industry honours.
Scott’s fellow cast member Kurt Kansley, who plays Toulouse-Lautrec, also praised Liverpool audiences, describing the city’s theatre-goers as some of the most enthusiastic in the country.
“I think the people are so vibrant, friendly and diverse,” he said. “I’ve always been very fond of the Scouse accent as well. People here aren’t afraid to enjoy themselves, laugh and really get involved. It’s wonderful to perform here.”
The production’s extended stay is also a landmark occasion for the Liverpool Empire. Theatre director Diane Belding said the response from audiences has been exceptional, with tens of thousands of tickets already sold.
She said: “I’m always amazed when a new production arrives and completely blows me away with its spectacular vision.
“It’s doing really well. We’ve sold around 70,000 seats so far and we’re expecting that to reach around the 100,000 mark. Six-week runs are rare for us, but this is our longest engagement since Hamilton, so it’s incredibly exciting.”
Moulin Rouge! The Musical continues at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday, 8 August.
